Make your binges on sugar free, fat free ice cream and you won't do as much damage. There are some good ones out there.
My professional opinion on the B&TR for cardio......cardio preferences are so individual! You'd just have to try it, but be sure your favorite TV show is playing! I tried it for a little while, yes, with the blue rubber thingy's, and it seemed kind of boring. Maybe you could do it with a cardio circuit of 10 minutes on the B&TR, 10 on an exercise bike, and 10 minutes of the Hi/Lo segment of 10-10-10- by our guru, Cathe.
The blue bands are more flexible, and MAY be better for using the machine for cardio. You may be able to order spares from Jake's company.
I'm the second professional jock in my family - my oldest son is a golf pro. I always envyed my kids because they were both in cool professions - the youngest one is a graphic artist. Now I'm cool, too!